BACOLOD City – Several human rights abuse victims during the martial law era claimed a law office sent them a letter demanding 20 percent of their reparation claims.
The victims are beneficiaries under Republic Act 10368, or the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013.
The law entitles them to reparation claims from the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board – an independent and quasi-judicial body tasked to receive, evaluate, process, and investigate applications for claims under the act.
In a press conference yesterday at the Negros Press Club building, the martial law survivors said the Torrecampo & Gorgonio Law Offices wanted 20 percent of their reparation claims.
“Kami nagapahibalo sa publiko nga asta subong ginapahog kami,” said Binalbagan, Negros Occidental resident Ma. Fe Tanaleon, one of the complainants.
Tanaleon added, “Napilitan ang pila sa amon maghatag kwarta bangud ginabalikbalikan kami sa bukid. Wala man kami may ginpirmahan nga may obligasyon kami kon marelesan kami kay nagbayad man kami sang pagnotaryo sang nagaproseso pa lang kami.”
The martial law survivors said they are once again being “emotionally tortured.”
“Nagapangayo kami bulig sa mga makabulig agud indi kami pagtublagon sa amon pagpangabuhi sa kaumahan,” Tanaleon added.
Another martial law survivor, Edmundo Diaz of Barangay Tangub, said while others paid the law firm 20 percent of their reparation claims, the remaining others – himself included – want to “unite and stand firm.”
Diaz said they are planning to consult a lawyer regarding the matter.
The Torrecampo & Gorgonio Law Offices could not be reached for comment as of this writing./PN
